HABITAT & NICHE

Difference between habitat and niche - ecology

Learn how the habitat and niche are different but also very important for a healthy environment.

A habitat is an ecological area where a plant or animal lives. It may be an island, a tree, or maybe under a rock. The habitat is where an individual can find food, shelter, protection and mates.

A niche is a role or position that an individual has in its environment. A niche may also involve what the individual eats, how it interacts with other living things, and also how it interacts with the nonliving factors. Without ecological niches, there would be less biodiversity, and the ecosystem would not be in balance.